Water was lapping behind shops in the NSW town of Forbes on Friday as stressed locals waited for the worst flooding in the central west NSW town in 70 years.
An unseasonable cold front which started from Antarctic winds will bring snow to three states, widespread rain storms to four and the coldest Melbourne Cup day in 27 years.
Melbourne Cup punters will suffer through their coldest race day in more than 25 years, with the Bureau of Meteorology advising visitors to dress warm and the mercury peaking at a chilly 14C.